Abbott Expands Screening Portfolio with SimpleScreen CRC Blood Test

Colorectal cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet early detection through screening is highly treatable. Despite established guidelines, nearly 60 million Americans currently remain due for these life-saving procedures. Abbott aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive screening solution that pairs the Cologuard Plus® stool-based test with the new blood-based option.

Dr. Folasade May, director of quality in digestive diseases at UCLA Health, noted that a simple blood draw can serve as a vital entry point for patients who have previously resisted standard screening methods. The SimpleScreen CRC test utilizes circulating cell-free DNA to identify signals associated with the disease. In the PREEMPT CRC clinical trial, which involved over 48,000 participants, the test demonstrated 81.1% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and 90.4% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia. Medicare Part B covers the test with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients, and Abbott is supporting the rollout with a dedicated navigation program to coordinate blood draws and follow-up care.